Friday, March 28, 2008

We haven't had a catchup day for a while - what's everyone been up to? Any news?

My news: Angels' Blood is done and currently being read by my agent!! Woohoo!!

I've decided to do a draft of the novella for next year's anthology while the world is fresh in my head, so that's what I'm up to now. However, as of next week, it's all Mercy, all the time. And her hero, of course. *g*

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

I fell in love with Ilona Andrews' voice last year when I read Magic Bites. After reading Magic Burns (releasing April 1st), I have a feeling this will be an enduring affair. I'm delighted to present an interview with the authors behind the books! (Ilona's also agreed to swing by and answer any reader questions, so put your thinking caps on!)

Who is Ilona Andrews?

Ilona: Ilona Andrews is an international woman of mystery. Actually most of our fiction is written by my husband Gordon and I. His first name is actually Andrew.

Gordon: Gordon is the name I chose to be called when I became an adult. I was in the Navy for four years and nobody there actually called me by my first name. And when I met Ilona, she called me Gordon as well.

Ilona: A Southern Russian woman habit. For Kate Daniels series the publisher suggested a female pseudonym, so we glued our two first names together.

For those of you unfamiliar with your work, how about a quick summary of what these books are about?

Ilona: The books are set in alternative Atlanta. The world is battered by magic waves: they come and go as they please. When magic is up, cars stall, guns don't work, and mythical creatures rampage through downtown. When magic is down, magic users lose their power and defensive spells vanish. Magic hates tall buildings and chews them to rubble, so the world is in ruins, but people are resilient and they work around it.

In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has hard time controlling her mouth. But she also has some interesting abilities that frequently make her a target.

In the first book, MAGIC BITES, Kate's guardian is murdered, and she must choose to hide or to pursue his preternatural killer. Hiding is easy, but the right choice is rarely easy. In the sequel, MAGIC BURNS, out this April, Kate is trying to protect a little girl during a magic wave of catastrophic proportions.

Do you plan to write a specific number of Kate Daniels books?

Gordon: It depends on whether or not ACE decides to continue the series.

Ilona: We're under contract for four and have it thought out to five, but like Gordon said, it's mostly up to the publisher at this point.

How does the whole writing with another person work? Do you have a system, or do you duke it out until one of you wins?

Gordon: I don't think it's all that confrontational. We discuss it but it's a collaboration, not a contest of wills. I always thought it was very similar to a marriage. It's about compromises, figuring out who is good at what, and compensating for each other's weakness.

Ilona: We have occasional arguments, but we've been together for a while and we generally think along the same lines. Gordon typically is better with plot resolution than I am and I'm better with setting, for example.

Talking about duking it out - there are several awesome fight scenes in Magic Burns. Did you choreograph those or did it just come out as you were writing? Who's the fight-scene expert?

Gordon: We always choreograph fight scenes to make sure they make sense.

Ilona: Gordon studied judo while in Japan. We're both familiar with firearms and some basic sword fighting. Mostly choreographing fight scenes requires a lot of research. But yes we do actually get in the middle of the floor and try to figure out the most likely move or the easiest target. One of the things I hope people will keep in mind is that these fights are there for entertainment purposes only. We do take artistic liberties in the name of coolness.

Gordon: In practice it's very difficult to decapitate a person, for example. Pulling a sword out of the body takes a lot of strength, because of the suction involved.

Kate has an interesting history, which we get more info on in this book - did you work all that out way in advance? Or has some of it come as a surprise to you, too?

Ilona: No, we have it all planned out. We are so sad.

Soooooo, you have this uber-sexy/scary as heck shapeshifter, Curran, in your books. Why do you think so many readers react so strongly to him?

Gordon: He's a strong dependable guy who has responsibilities. He takes care of his people and he'll do what he says he will do. That's what a man supposed to do. Both he and Kate are autonomous. They have their own lives and histories, but even though they started from different places, they arrived to a somewhat similar world view. Unfortunately, they disagree on their methods and it's interesting to see them interact.

Ilona: Curran's an interesting character. He's not a bad boy or an anti-hero in a strict sense of the word. He's powerful and dangerous, but he isn't unreasonable despite what Kate might say. I think that if you were his friend and you were in trouble, he'd drop everything and come to rescue you no matter how dangerous the situation might be. He is Beast Lord, however, and has been one for quite some time. When one commands a thousand shapeshifters, one tends to develop certain arrogance.

The whole magic wave vs tech wave stuff is really interesting. Any background on how you came up with the concept?

Gordon: I think as humans, it would probably very difficult for us to have both magic and technology. When I was younger, I read a book (sorry, don't recall the name now), where there was a god Tech. He was a very small god, who started out when the first bow was made. Other gods made fun of him. But the more humans developed, the stronger he grew until he finally became incredibly powerful. On the funny side, when he appeared, he always looked like Clark Kent. And magic and technology mix makes such a cool world.

Ilona: There are so many stories where the magic is going out of the world. Tolkien's work, for example, explores that theme. And it always made me so sad to read about it. I mean, we yearn for magic. Look at the film industry – we basically use cutting edge technology to create magic on screen. It's an integral part of being human: to want a touch of something mystical and unexplained. It seemed natural to bring about "reverse" apocalypse: magic is back with a vengeance. There are some cartoons that played with that theme and we both really enjoyed them.

Gordon: Thundarr the Barbarian.

Ilona: Heman. Guys on mechanical eagles with swords.

Gordon: Magic that never was and technology that never will be.

Ilona: We've officially outed ourselves as total geeks.

Gordon: Yep.

I hear you're in an anthology next year with some very kewl people - can you give us hints about what your story's going to be?

Ilona: I heard Nalini Singh is going to be in that anthology. How cool is that? Our story will be about Kate and hellhounds.

Follow up question - do you think readers unfamiliar with your world will be able to dive into the novella and understand it?

Gordon: We'll try to write it so they can.

Getting back to Kate and Curran (not that I'm obsessed or anything), are these two ever going to get up close and personal? (I'm torn whether I want this to happen or not. The push/pull between them is just so fascinating.)

Ilona: I'm sorry, you'll just have to read it. Thank you so much for having us over!

Gordon: Thank you! We enjoyed it.

A huge thank you to Ilona and Gordon for the interview! Here's the link to their website if you'd like to read excerpts and find out more about the series.

And now, feel free to grill Ilona! (Maybe if we work together, she'll let something slip...)

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Welcome to Bascom, North Carolina, where everyone has a story to tell about the Waverley women. The old house that’s been in the family for generations, the walled garden that mysteriously blooms year round, the rumors and innuendoes of dangerous loves and tragic passions. Eccentric, reclusive, or renegade, there’s not one that wasn’t somehow touched by magic.

As the town’s successful caterer, Claire has always clung closely to the Waverleys’ roots in their enchanted soil, tending the family garden from which she makes her much sought-after delicacies. She has everything she thinks she needs – until one day she finds a vine of ivy creeping into her garden and knows that everything is about to change.

Then her prodigal sister Sydney arrives with her five-year-old daughter and a dark secret she hopes to keep well hidden. And suddenly Claire’s carefully tended life is about to run gloriously out of control …

This is such a lovely book - with a beautiful sense of magic. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up, but I couldn't put it down. At heart, it's about two sisters, but there's a wonderful romance (or two) woven into the story, and everything's dusted with that shimmering element of magic and enchantment. It's almost like a fairytale, but one grounded in the real world.

Have any of you read it? Thoughts? How about recommendations for other books with that same sense of magic and wonder?

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

It's reader interview time! Today's interviewee is Darla, and she's one smart cookie - check out her answer to the desert island question!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Darla, and I've been reading romance since I was 16, starting with Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I've been in my own wonderful romance for 28 years to a man that knows the ropes! Wink Wink...Gotta love it. BG! I'm a mother of 3, all adults now, and Grandmother of 2.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

I have always been a hoarder and have over 2,000 books at home...but lately since I am seriously running out of room I'm going through my books and donating and giving some of them away. If I had my druthers I'd just do what George Carlin says and "Get a bigger place for my stuff!"

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

For me this is by far the hardest question. There are so many talented authors I've read, that have given me hours of enjoyment, but I can't name just one...I'll have to wait until the RWA conference comes back my way and stalk ALL of them!

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

VERY! Have to have it with me at all times...there may be an emergency where its needed!

5. Favorite book? Why?

Knight of a Trillion Stars by Dara Joy. When I picked this book up I didn't really know what I was getting into. For me reading this book is like sitting in a movie theatre. This was before there were very many paranormal reads. It just knocked my socks right off and from then on I was hooked and still hope that someday she may be able to finish the series.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

Books, books & books...because I can hunt for food and comforts and no one said there wouldn't be a man already there, so I choose to believe that Hugh Jackman will be waiting for me!

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Granola with yogert, nuts, banana, flax.

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

Over 300...!

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

Just someone who is there when you need him...that and a great bod don't hurt.

Extra reader submitted question(s)! Answer at will :)

* Which character in a book do you relate most with?

Depends on the mood I'm in at the time!

* Where do you live?

Emporia KS

* So what would people think was a perfect heroine??

I don't know, each person is different is the things they look at. Me I like those that are decisive, easy to be around, and real, as in not trying to be something you're not or fake.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Google Reader refuses to work for me anymore so I'm hideously behind on all my blog reading - however I've managed to pick up a few cool links for you.

First up, huge congratulations to PC & Kristin Cast - Chosen just hit #2 on the NYT list!!!! Can we give a big woohoo!!!!

Also, a heads up that Friday (U.S. time) is the first anniversary of PW's Beyond Her Book blog - and Barbara Vey is throwing a mega-party, complete with all sorts of cool stuff. So don't forget to swing by.

Magic Bites author Ilona Andrews is answering questions over at the RT Forum, so go pester her, ask her any questions you have about the Kate Daniels' books!

And you guys must go read about the DABWAHA - this is going to be a tournament like no other!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

I'm absolutely delighted to present an interview with the wonderful Patricia Briggs! Her #1 NYT Bestselling (woohoo!!) Mercy Thompson series is one of my absolute favorite new series - if you haven't read these books, you're missing out!!

The series order is Moon Called, Blood Bound & Iron Kissed. However, there's also a fantastic novella "Alpha and Omega" in the On The Prowl anthology. Follow the link for excerpts.

And now, onto the interview that Patricia was gracious enough to agree to despite deadlines!

1. I have a girl-crush on you and your writing. Please tell me that doesn't disturb you so I can continue to adore you from afar.

Adoration is always acceptable :) When it is mutual it is more fun *grin*

2. I know you have a book (Cry Wolf) coming out this year featuring Anna and Charles from your brilliant short story in the On the Prowl anthology - I've heard that you originally only planned to write a novella about them. Did the fact that you'd done a novella make it harder or easier to write a full-length book about them?

A lot harder. First off, I wouldn't have made Charles a Flathead (one of the Salish people) though that was the most logical tribe for his mother to have come from -- there is a lot more information out there on other Native peoples. Also, Charles is more powerful than I usually prefer my characters to be -- it makes challenging them . . . well, more er challenging. Thirdly, I would never have left them where I did. The first chapter of Cry Wolf has to begin in Chicago -- and explain a lot of what happened in "Alpha and Omega". It all contributed to the very difficult time I had writing Cry Wolf. I like the final version, my editor liked the final version (though she maintains that the version before that wasn't bad), and one of my copyeditors wrote to tell me he liked it too.

3. Do you think you'll write more novellas set in Mercy's world?

Truthfully, I am not a short story writer -- and for me the novella is a special hell for writers. All the work of a book -- and you have to keep cutting the good stuff. It took me as long to write "Alpha and Omega" as it did "Raven's Strike" -- which is my longest book to date.

I do have a short story in Tony P. Kelner and Charlaine Harris's Wolfsbane and Mistletoe which should be out around Christmas next year. It's about David Christiansen, Adam's mercenary buddy from Moon Called.

I'll also have a short story in Strange Brew edited by P N Elrod about witches. I assume it will be out sometime in 2009. That brings my total short fiction ever written up to six. Five are published -- and one will never, ever see the light of day as it was not only horribly derivative, but a shaggy dog story as well.

4. What do you most love about the world you've created in the Mercy Thompson series?

I love to play in the "real" world. To take things I see in politics, in society and say, "what if". I derive a terrific pleasure from using real places -- "Ah hah," I mutter "that's somewhere I don't have to make up from scratch!"

5. Do you think there really are things that go bump in the night?

Absolutely. I'm not sure about werewolves -- though one of my husband's coworkers claimed that not too long before Mike (my husband) started working there, some guy broke into the building (six story brick 1920's gorgeous building) setting off the alarms. When the police got there he was crouched on the ledge outside the second story windows. They brought him in and he claimed he was running away from werewolves. I'm also not sure about vampires (other than the humans who have convinced themselves) But ghosts and ghoulies? Absolutely. In fact I have six, six foot tall, thousand pound hairy beasts that guard my home . . . all right, they're horses -- but Speck chases off any coyotes, deer or antelopes who trespass.

6. Can you tune up a VW?Nope. But I've worked as the tool handler for my husband as he worked his arcane craft. We've had three Jettas, two Vanagons, a Eurovan, and a Passat -- as well as a pair of Opel GT's (imported by Buick, built in Germany by Opel). Most of the mechanic stuff are things that have happened to us -- or friends.7. A couple of writerly questions because I'm nosy: How do you write - do you plot out the books or do you just run with it?

I just run with it. Though I've had to be a little more disciplined as my timelines for getting books finished has diminished. It's awfully easy to write yourself into a corner and have to delete 100 pages when you don't have an outline.

8. How do you keep track of your world? Do you have a series bible?

I have lovely people who do all the work for me. I was just sitting down (after Iron Kissed) to pull apart the three books and write everything down -- when my forum people got together and posted it to the web. So if you're curious, you can go to Hurog.com and head to the Forumsand look for the Mercy's World Topic. They have saved me thousands (okay, hundreds) of hours of work. Bless 'em.

9. Were you suprised at the wonderful reader reaction to the Mercy Thompson series?

Absolutely. We (my editor and I) knew it would sell better than the straight fantasy -- because Urban Fantasy was just selling better in general. When Moon Called sold out the first week and then made it to the USA Today list, we were over the moon. (pun intended) When Blood Bound hit the New York Times we were flabergasted. When Iron Kissed made it to #1 mass market . . . well, I'm not sure I really believe it yet. I keep waiting for someone to say, "Wait, we made a mistake!" but so far so good.

10. I don't think it's spoilerish to say that Mercy chooses between Adam & Samuel in Iron Kissed. Did you always know which one she'd choose?

N: I'm whiting out the answer for those of you who haven't read Iron Kissed and want to be kept in suspense! To read the answer, just select the text either with your mouse, or using SHIFT and the arrow keys.

No. Not until I started wondering why they hadn't killed each other in Blood Bound -- and why Samuel wasn't being pushy. I knew it had to be Samuel who was running the show -- as the most dominant he determines how he and Adam interact. And the only reason I could come up with was that he wasn't really, really in love with Mercy that way anymore. Mercy loves Samuel -- but not that way -- though if Adam hadn't been around . . . Anyway, I knew when I started Iron Kissed, but I didn't expect it to resolve when it did.

11. Can you give us a hint of what you have coming up for Mercy? Tell me you have plans to write lots and lots and lots more books! :-)

The next Mercy book will be Bone Crossed. We're back to dealing with the vampires -- and for those readers who have been complaining about Stefan's absence, he's a major player in this one. After Bone Crossed, I'm under contract for three more Mercy books. We'll see where it goes from there.

12. If you met a werewolf on a lonely night, what would you do?

I have no idea. My stupid reaction to sheer terror is rage. I have no idea why. So doubtless I'd do something really dumb and get myself eaten.

Well, my husband, in addition to being smart and funny, is very cute -- but probably not a vice since he makes me happy and doesn't cost me anything (marriage is a wonderful institution). Horses would probably have to be my vice of choice, since they are demanding, expensive and, like most people bitten with the bug (Mike calls us Pod People) I tend to get obsessive about them.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

It's Tuesday and time for a reader interview! Today's interviewee is Jen B., a true romantic :-)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm 29, 30 in February (OMG). A complete and total romantic, I am emotional and my one dream has always been to find true love (cheesy I know). I have a seven year old daughter who is far too clever for her own good. I am American but I live in the UK and have done for eight years now. I love reading, of course, and cannot wait to meet some of my favourite authors. I currently work as a secretary for the director of education at the local authority.

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

No No No!! Never give books away...the idea is just absolutely shocking to me! I loaned books to a friend once and stressed until I got them back and then went mad because she'd bent a spine :)

I'm not sure how to answer this...different genres, different likes. I really loved Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon when I first read it and have probably read it far too many times but I would say my ultimate favourite book was Pride and Prejudice and while I adore the Colin Firth adaptation I loved the book before then.

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

My IPod, preferably with a solar battery of some sort so it never stops runningA laptop with undying internet connection and battery so that I can at least download books since the post guy won't be coming to visitA picture of my daughter to help keep me sane

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Two slices of toast with butter

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

15 (bought) too many to count on pre-order on amazon

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

I want an alpha male..surprise surprise, who is attractive (to me anyway), protective, honourable, generous, loving but not overly soppy, understanding, funny, likeable, good and adventurous in bed (and out lol), tall - I think that's it...you get the idea anyway :)

Extra reader submitted question(s)! Answer at will :)

* Which character in a book do you relate most with?

Generally the heroine that thinks she'll never get what her heart desires most...just waiting for my happy ending now :)

* Where do you live?

Cleethorpes, UK

* If you were in the Psy/Changeling World, what side would you be in?

I'd have to be a changeling. I could never pass as Psy - far too emotional :)

Friday, March 07, 2008

A heads-up that Chosen has just been released! This is the third book in PC & Kristin Cast's fabulous House of Night Series. (Click on the tags at the bottom of this post to see my posts on the earlier books).

Here's a link to PC Cast's homepage, which has links to blurbs for Marked & Betrayed, the first two books in the series - you definitely have to read this series in order, as the story carries on from book to book. Zoey gets into a lot of trouble in book 3, and there are some major developments in her life (and at the House of Night). I can't wait to see where the Casts take their heroine in book 4!

Any of you reading this series? What about other YA (Young Adult) books? Any recommendations?

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

I am 23 years old female college student on the verge of graduating (finally!) with majors in History and Japanese. I'm passionate about reading, shopping, and celebrity gossip!

2. Are you a hoarder or do you give your books away?

I hoard... but not so much that I'm a fire hazard. I tend to loan a good portion of my books out to my friends though...

3. What author might tempt you into turning stalker?

Stephanie Meyer... true love, high school angst, vampires and werewolves, is there nothing better?!

4. How susceptible are you to chocolate?

Very... especially around exam time. Speaking of which I really should be studying for tomorrow's Japanese final exam...*I type while drinking hot chocolate*

5. Favorite book? Why?

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. Why? Because it made me cry and books/ movies never make me cry. Her writing truly sucks in the reader so much that you feel the pain and trials of the main character. It was a really wonderful book!

6. If you knew you were going to be stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

A cookbook (for cooking fish of course), my laptop (I'm not too sure where I'd get the electricity to keep it running), and my Nintendo DS Lite (A girl's gotta have some fun!)

7. What did you eat for breakfast?

Instant breakfast, the chocolate flavored variety.

8. How many books in your current to-be-read pile?

Zero, I prefer lack of sleep to an unread book!

9. Describe your idea of a perfect hero.

Funny, kind, and confident.

p.s. Think I should add any other questions?

Seen any good movies lately? (I have! Everyone should go see Enchanted!! So wonderful and cute!)

[Nalini: Totally agree! Enchanted was really sweet.]

Extra reader submitted question(s)! Answer at will :)

* Which character in a book do you relate most with?

Possibly Sasha Duncan, I'm a very nurturing person but I am also very reserved in my mannerisms.

* Where do you live?

Georgia!

* If you were in the Psy/Changeling World, what side would you be in?

I'd be a Psy hoping there is a special Changeling out there just for me! ^_^

Saturday, March 01, 2008

It's a rainy, windy Saturday here today - perfect weather for staying in. Last night was lovely though, and we had a great dinner in a restaurant out by the beach. There was much cackling and hilarity, and I'm sure all the muscles we used laughing cancelled out the calories from the scrumptious deserts.

And check out the bag on the left - isn't it adorable? The parties to blame are - Nicky, Peta, Barbara, Yvonne & Taryn - the bag is in honor of all the exclamation marks I used in Feb (and continue to use!!). ;-) Is it any wonder I love my friends?

Getting back to work stuff - since the chat transcript link seems determined to play hard to get, if you want the file, just email me at nalinisinghwrites @ gmail.com (without the spaces), and I'll fwd it to you. It'll come as an attachment that opens in Excel.

A NEW DAWN BEGINS FOR THE PSY-CHANGELING WORLD…

BECAUSE HAPPILY EVER AFTER DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE

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